ELMSDALE: Residents who rely on Nova Scotia Health’s Northern Zone transportation pilot will continue to have access to rides to medical appointments until April 1, 2027, as the province looks to secure additional federal funding to keep the program operating beyond that date.
The extension comes after concerns were raised about the future of the program, which had been scheduled to end Dec. 1, 2026, following the loss of federal funding.
The Department of Health and Wellness confirmed the extension in a statement released Thursday to The Laker News, saying the province has heard how important the transportation support has been for patients.
“Nova Scotians who rely on this service will continue to have access to transportation support while we take some more time to explore options for the longer term,” the department said.
There will, however, be some changes to how the service operates. Those using the program will now need to book their transportation at least two weeks in advance, and the service will focus on medical and health appointments.
Further details about the changes are expected to be released.
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The transportation pilot has been operating since August 2023, providing free, non-urgent transportation to health-care and wellness appointments for residents of Colchester, Cumberland and Pictou counties, as well as the Municipality of East Hants.
The program was introduced in response to Recommendation C.13 of the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report, which called for addressing unmet grief, bereavement and mental health needs in communities affected by the April 2020 mass casualty.
It has also provided an important transportation option for rural residents who may not have access to a vehicle, family members able to drive them or affordable alternatives for travelling longer distances to appointments.
Local transportation providers, including Handy Cabs in East Hants, have been involved in providing rides through the program.
In an earlier interview with The Laker News, Handy Cabs owner Andy Doughty highlighted the demand for the service, saying his company was transporting upwards of 200 clients each month.
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The program was originally funded through the federal government, with provincial support.
However, federal funding ended last year, prompting the province to step in and provide additional financial support to keep the service operating.
The Department of Health and Wellness said the province went above and beyond in providing funding after the federal contribution ended.
The province is now making a funding request to the federal government in an effort to ensure patients who depend on the transportation service can continue accessing it.
While the extension provides some additional time for clients and transportation providers, the future of the program beyond April 1, 2027, remains uncertain as the province explores longer-term funding options.
